For the first time in two weeks, Manny Diaz’s Miami Hurricanes (7-1) are back on the field and taking on the Duke Blue Devils (2-7).
Our 305Sports UM writers gave their takes on what to expect for Diaz’s team on the road.
Anthony Yero, Lead Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 8-0)
27-14 Miami: UM has been traditionally slow and sloppy off of bye weeks, so one could just imagine what they’ll look like after two weeks without a game. But if anyone is sloppier, it’s Duke. The Blue Devils have committed the most turnovers in the country — 15 interceptions and 15 fumbles. Miami should be able to find their groove and win on the road.
Michael Yero, Lead Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 7-1)
31-14 Miami: The assumption entering Saturday’s game between Miami and Duke is that the Hurricanes will open off sluggish, and it’ll allow the Blue Devils to make it more of a competitive game. I think the exact opposite, with expectations that UM gets things rolling early through the hands of D’Eriq King.
As for the defense, it’s bound to be another breakthrough outing for Te’Cory Couch. Additionally, Jaelan Phillips and Quincy Roche won’t disappoint, as usual.
This team has been hungry to return, and I see that motivating their overall performance.
Jose Zarraluqui, Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 8-0)
27-21 Miami: Duke will not be an easy matchup for the Hurricanes, considering that they’ve had multiple weeks off due to COVID-19. I expect this game to start off very sloppy, so D’Eriq King will need to step up and make some explosive plays. Senior wide receiver Mike Harley also needs to continue building that spark connection up with King tonight.
Miami’s defense is going to show some flaws as well, most likely all over the field. The defense wasn’t playing great prior to the weeks off, so I only expect it to be worse tonight. Te’Cory Couch will need to have a tremendous game, just as he did when facing Virginia Tech. The linebacker core will also need to exceed expectations, especially. I predict this game to start off very slow, and Miami will just escape with a near victory versus the Blue Devils.
William Hernandez, Hurricanes Writer (Season Record: 0-0)
38-21 Miami: Due to COVID-19 issues, the Miami Hurricanes haven’t seen the gridiron in the past three weeks. Under coach Manny Diaz, the Canes have been notorious for their poor performances coming off a bye week (1-4 overall record). The last time Duke and Miami matched up was in 2019, with the Blue Devils winning at home 27-17. However, the Canes seek vengeance tonight. Duke is simply outmatched talent-wise and won’t be able to contain Miami’s electric quarterback, D’Eriq King. Expect to see the Canes start off slow but eventually pull away in the second half.
